Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia

Zina Semenovskaya, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
Mert Erogul, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Brooklyn: Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center

Updated: May 27, 2010

Introduction

Background

Preeclampsia is a disorder of widespread vascular endothelial malfunction and vasospasm that occurs after 20 weeks’ gestation and can present as late as 4-6 weeks postpartum. It is clinically defined by hypertension and proteinuria, with or without pathologic edema.

Pregnancy Diagnosis

Pregnancy Diagnosis

Andrea D Shields, MD, Director, Antenatal Counseling and Diagnostic Center, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Wilford Hall Medical Center; Associate Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Updated: Apr 20, 2009

Introduction

The diagnosis of pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach using 3 main diagnostic tools. These are history and physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and ultrasonography. Currently, physicians may use all of these tools to diagnose pregnancy at early gestation and to help rule out other pathologies.